Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1887-03-09
A DOOR AJAR.


1t was all over; past and done with
forever; not hope remained. 1ncz
Cameron ha plucked them one by ono
from his heart in her cool, stately, grace
full way, half an hour before, when she
declined his hand and offered him her
friendship, in the dim, sweet-sccntcd
glen, which he could see from the win
dow at which he sat.
Friendship from her" he mu'tcrcd
savagcly, while a burning wrath famed
in his dark eyes. "Did she think l had
been her slave for almost year to be
content with that at last2 AS true as
there is heaven above Inc, she allowed
me to think she cared. | was no fool to
say such words as said to-day to her,
unless had been encouraged You
have taught me lesson, my fair faced
Inez. lstake my hopes of an earthly
heaven on no woman's smile hereafter
and l danglc no longer in your train,
lovely rs you undoubtedly are, and dain-
ty and dazzling. Idoubt if | ever take
any fair lady to reign here. When SIS
ter Nctte and her host of friends depart
in months time, will 90 roaming
once more. No man cares for his home
when his heart is as heavy as mine is.'
The shadows gathered and lengthencu,
but Guy Handel sat silent and miserable,
trying to crush down the rcgrcts-trying
to bury the corpse of his love-dream.
1t was bitter to him, this rejection by
the girl he had wooci in such a princcly
fashion; whom he, perhaps, had reason
to think he could win.
Life seemed very poor and barren
possession to the stalwart young owner
of that fine old homestead, while sum-
mer twilight gathered its soft drapcries
about him, and still he forgot that ii
was timo to dress for dinner, and mis-
sister and friends would wonder where
he fingered when they camo down
presently.
Suddenly a low, sweet, soothing
melody sto,c to him therc--thc air OF a
tender old ballad, played lowly, by some
dainty fingers.
Somehow the music soothel the pain
in his heart, comforted him in strange
manner as though the white hands that
toycd with the keyes had left a tender
touch on his forehead.
'Iwondcr who sp!oying1' he thought.
"Whocvcr it is, I hope she will continue.
l wish she would sing"
As if his wis, had been heard voice
took up the words of the old song, and
sent them to him swcctly where he sat
sad, tender, yearning words which made
his eyes grow dim as he listened.
81 wonder who she ISL do not
recognize the voice." he said to himself,
and then, rising, he quietly crossed tc
the door, which was ajar, and looked
into the drawing-room.
In the twilight he saw slight girlish
figure at the piano, clad in pale amber.
The face was turned from him, but he
knew by the slim willowy figure, the
masses OF rich auburn hair, that it was
Inez Cameron's lame cousin, IIilda Dal
las.
GLOW sad tho girls voice isl" he
thought. GLOW intensely sad! YET
she has always seemed bright and cheer.
full when l noticed hcr. fear l rarely
did notice her, poor afflicted child!'
Just then the drawing.room door
opened and Inez Cameron entered.
Guy watched her with passionate
alteration and bitter regret in his cycs a
she went and stood near her cousin.
"Don't sing that doleful thing,
Hlda," she said in her slow tones o
silver. "Even though you may be foo
enough to love man who doesn't care
at all for you, there is no need for you tC
sing that forlorn ballad with your heart
in your voice"
The music had crashed into discord
then stopped.
The girl on the piano stool wheeled
about SO that Guy saw her face; ant
from his heart he piticl uilda Dalla
when he saw her panied eyes and color
less face.
Ay, md something which was no
love stirred his heart for the fair bluc-eyet
beauty who stood serenely there, her III
curling just little, her blue and COLDER
draperics falling about her in such grace
full folds.
"What do you mean3' questioned th'
lame girl in quick voice OF pain. g
don't love anybody; /"
"Bahl" cut in the blondes silver
tones. "You love Mr.. Guy Handel, AM
l have known it for long time
He cares nothing at all for you
he scarcely sees you; to-da
he asked me to become his wife. Now
perhaps, you realize what little sim
pleton you are"
The auburn head was lowered sud
denly, and two white little hands wcr
flung over Hilda's colorless face.
moment after, and Guy caught the SCUM
of quick sobblng, mingled with the lo'
ripple of laughter from lnez.
"oh, I didn't accept him." pursue
tho 1ute--likc tones OF the woman hc la